An argument between two strangers at Greenbriar Mall in Atlanta on Thursday, November 13, 2025, escalated into a fatal shooting, leaving a 28-year-old man dead. Deonte O'Connor was identified as the victim of the shooting that shattered an ordinary afternoon of shopping and sent waves of panic through the mall. The incident unfolded around 4:43 p.m.
on the sidewalk near the food court entrance.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as gunfire erupted, with shoppers scrambling for safety and stores going into lockdown. An off-duty Atlanta Police officer, who was working at the mall, heard the gunshots and immediately responded. The officer discovered O'Connor with multiple gunshot wounds. Security footage reportedly showed that O'Connor had tried to run away before he was shot.
The alleged shooter did not flee the scene. He surrendered to the responding officer, dropping his weapon and raising his hands. The suspect was then detained without further incident. The following day, police announced the arrest of 29-year-old Caleb Deangelo Kirksey. He was charged with murder, aggravated assault, and weapons offenses in connection with O'Connor's death. Investigators believe the deadly encounter was the result of a dispute between the two men who did not know each other.
